He may be one of the oldest Vikings in town, but 'Harry the Hagarus' has come out of retirement to help promote this year's Viking Festival.
Harry McEachan, 88, is a long term supporter of the festival in Largs, and is involved in organising a shop window competition in town for this year's festival.
A former community councillor and campaigner, Harry has headed off to Troon this week to hand out flyers and postcards promoting the festival to fans flocking to the Open golf.
This year's Viking Festival kicks off on August 31 and, as it has in the past, will feature a host of popular attractions, including the Viking Village and Festival of Fire.
Harry has also been in Glasgow in his full tartan regalia promoting the festival at the famous Duke of Wellington statue.
Back on home turf on July 17, he caught up with charity fund-raiser Tracey Hannam, who visited Largs and Millport during her walk of the entire UK coastline in aid of the RNLI and mental health charity MIND.
Harry told the News: "I am coming out of retirement and have a new new VIking outfit, and was in Royal Troon yesterday to help promote the festival.
"I have already visited Glasgow and Perth in my full Viking attire and Largs shield, and have been handing out leaflets promoting the festival and have had a very good response.
"I have also been handing out postcards of the Magnus the Magnificent Viking monument, and knitted seagulls."
The Largs Viking Festival dates back to 1980 and celebrates the Battle of Largs in 1263, the last battle between the Scots and the invading Norse forces.
The event has been ranked among the top 20 cultural festivals in Europe by the Guardian newspaper.
One of the entries in this year's shop window competition is a special display at Largs Computers in memory of local businesswoman Lyn Nicholson, who was the owner of Carousel Crafts.
Latest updates on the festival can be found at the Largs Viking Festival Facebook page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel